MALAWI –a Malawian court has ruled that self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, must be extradited to South Africa to face trial on charges including rape, fraud, bail violations, and financial crimes.
The Chief Resident Magistrate Court in Lilongwe delivered the landmark decision on Wednesday, 12 March 2025, ending a four-year legal battle that began after the couple fled South Africa while on bail in 2020.
Justice Ministry welcomes ruling
The South African government hailed the decision, calling it a victory for international legal cooperation. In a statement issued hours after the ruling, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development declared: “This decision reaffirms judicial independence, international cooperation, and public trust in the South African and Malawian legal institutions.”
The Ministry emphasised the broader significance of the case, stating: “Today’s ruling is a significant milestone in international legal cooperation, demonstrating the strength of both countries’ judicial frameworks and diplomatic engagements. It reinforces the principle that no one is above the law and underscores the importance of accountability, transparency, and adherence to legal frameworks.”
Charges and flight from justice
Shepherd Bushiri, leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church, and his wife were initially arrested in South Africa in 2020 on charges linked to a R102 million fraud and money laundering scheme tied to an investment scam. They were granted bail but absconded, later surfacing in Malawi. South Africa’s extradition request cited charges of:
- Rape
- Violating bail conditions
- Contraventions of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act
- Banking Act
- Civil Aviation Act
- Immigration Act
The Ministry noted the case has “drawn significant public and media attention, highlighting broader issues of corruption and accountability,” while underscoring the role of legal treaties in combating transnational crime.
Legal battles and bail requests
Despite the extradition order, the Bushiris’ lawyer, Wapona Kita, immediately sought bail pending an appeal, arguing the order should be paused. The state did not object, leaving the court to deliberate. The couple remains in custody until transfer arrangements are finalized.
The legal process is expected to escalate, with the case likely advancing to Malawi’s High Court and potentially the Supreme Court of Appeal. The Justice Ministry confirmed: “We have been informed that the pair intends to appeal the ruling. The South African government will oppose the appeal. The Department will await the outcome of the appeal process if they proceed.”
Controversial escape
The Bushiris’ 2020 escape from South Africa remains shrouded in speculation. Reports alleged they fled aboard Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera’s presidential plane, prompting South African authorities to search the aircraft before permitting its departure. The Ministry did not address these claims but reiterated its commitment to collaboration with INTERPOL, Malawi’s Central Authority, and South African law enforcement to secure their return.
Next steps
If the appeal fails, INTERPOL and the South African Police Service (SAPS) will coordinate the transfer, with costs borne by the state. The Ministry affirmed: “South Africa remains committed to strengthening legal and diplomatic partnerships to ensure that fugitives are brought to justice and that legal systems remain fair, credible, and effective.”
What is Interpol, and what does it do?
Interpol (International Criminal Police Organisation) is an inter-governmental body comprising 196 member countries. Headquartered in Lyon, France, its core mission is to foster global police cooperation by enabling law enforcement agencies worldwide to collaborate and share critical data on transnational crimes, criminals, and emerging threats.
As the Conversation.com highlighted in this article, through its secure I-24/7 communications system, member countries exchange real-time intelligence, access databases (be it stolen passports or wanted persons), and issue alerts such as Red Notices—requests to locate and provisionally arrest fugitives pending extradition.
Boasting 195 member countries, including South Africa, Interpol does not conduct independent investigations or arrests. Instead, it provides tools and frameworks to help national agencies combat crimes like terrorism, human trafficking, cybercrime, financial fraud, and organised crime. In cases like Bushiri’s, Interpol facilitates coordination between countries to locate suspects and enforce cross-border legal processes.
*This is a developing story. Stay tuned to NOWinSA for real-time updates on this landmark ruling and its ripple effects across South Africa’s legal landscape.
